4 Free Ways To Market Your Business (That You May Not Have Thought Of)

Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs equate “marketing” with “money,” and while some marketing does require an investment, there are plenty of free ways you can market your business.

Let’s face it: Most solopreneurs do not have a lot of money for marketing, especially during the growth period of their businesses.

And as you look for ways to market your business, it’s easy to be attracted to paid marketing methods, such as Facebook Ads and expensive conferences.

The good news – you can implement any of the four free marketing tactics I will discuss in this blog post – and see tremendous brand awareness.

(And you’ll see even greater results if you implement all four tactics!)

Let’s take a look at each of these four free ways to market your business.

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Marketing is like a Las Vegas buffet – so many choices! You can fill up your plate with so many marketing options.

However, until you start seeing revenue that easily covers your paycheck and taxes, you should max out free marketing opportunities.

Blogging, social media, and networking are the common free (or low-cost) marketing tactics, and they are terrific. But I want to introduce you to four additional free marketing tactics – ones you may not have thought of.

#1: Be a guest on someone’s podcast

Podcasting is huge. Hosting your own blog costs money, which is why I recommend you first focus on being a guest on other people’s podcasts.

If you can score one podcast interview a week, you will be reaching so many people who may not have heard of you (including your ideal clients).

To help you land podcasting spots, first create a speaker one sheet. This should contain your name, speaking topics, speaking style, and testimonials from others who have heard you speak. Of course, your bio, photo, and contact information should be included as well.

Once you have your speaker one sheet, start reaching out to podcasters whose audiences match your ideal clients. You can look through podcast directories, or join a Facebook Group like Help A Podcaster Out.

Make sure to be a good guest and share your podcast interviews with your tribe (tagging your podcast host).

#2: Get earned media

Earned media means you are interviewed by a reporter or a popular blogger. Think radio shows, TV shows, and newspaper articles. Media interviews are free and not too hard to get.

People are often intimated by getting earned media because they are not sure how to get the interviews. Here are some ways:

Join HARO (Help A Reporter Out) – Reporters and bloggers go here to look for sources (use the free service for now).

Find journalists and bloggers on Twitter – Start with local journalists and follow their Twitter accounts. You want to build a relationship with these professionals – don’t immediately pitch to them. Allow them a chance to get to know you.

Start Google Alerts with industryterms – When a story comes out in your industry (especially breaking news), you can connect with reporters you’ve met and let them know you can be an expert commentator on the topic.

Tip: Anything you can do to make a reporter’s life easier will be appreciated. It’s a deadline-driven industry, so if they can access you quickly, you’ll more than likely get called for future interviews.

#3: Be a guest speaker at local networking groups

I love speaking at networking groups I don’t belong to. It helps extend my reach, and I don’t have to spend a dime (except the fuel cost to get to the meeting).

Make a list of all networking groups in your area. Then email the chapter president or speaker coordinator to ask if they accept outside speakers. That’s it! If they do, they’ll let you know, and you can take it from there.

If you secure a speaking opportunity, be sure to ask if you can do a raffle. You can use the raffle forms to learn more about your audience and ask if they want to join your email list. This makes following up a breeze!

#4: Find a JV partner

The final no-cost marketing tactic is to find JV partners. As you know, word-of-mouth marketing is the best, most effective ways to find clients. With JV partners, you will have an unpaid sales force, always looking for clients for you (and vice versa).

JV partnerships can be informal, “I’ll scratch your back” relationships. Find other entrepreneurs who serve your ideal clients, but in different ways, and meet with them to establish a relationship. Remember, it’s a reciprocal relationship, so be sure to hold up your end of the bargain.

Keep in touch with your referral partners, too. Constant communication will help you and your JV partner find the best referrals for each other.

Now that you know of these four free ways to market your business, which ones will you start implementing? Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to market your business. There are plenty of no-cost ways to build brand awareness and find your ideal clients. Stay in faith; you got this!

ABOUT JILL

Hi, I’m Jill Celeste. I teach purpose-driven entrepreneurs (just like you) everything you need to know about marketing so you can become the Director of Marketing for your business.

Because when you put your Director of Marketing hat squarely on your head, marketing is your number one priority (which will result in more clients!).

When I am not teaching about marketing, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband or my teenage boys, or taking a nap with my basset hound, Emma. I also like to play with my two guinea pigs and feed the backyard ducks (much to my neighbor’s chagrin).

Want to learn more about marketing? I invite you to get my book for free – just head over to www.ThatFirstClient.com. And don’t let the title fool you; it will help you get your first – or next – client. I am honored to help you! ♥